A. I am a New Jersey native and author. I love literature. I have been
writing
fiction for many years and love captivating and inspiring readers
through my
writing.

Q. What inspired you write such an emotional novel?

A.
The idea for this story came to me about ten years ago. I wanted to
write a
story about a family that was separated and comes together again years
later
through bizarre circumstances. I sought to write a book about a family
that
finds its strength in the face of adversity. I wanted to write a book
that
deals with faith, forgiveness and familial bonds. I also wanted to show
the
relationships between generations and races. This book covers three
generations, from the cotton-picking days and Civil Rights Movement in
Georgia, to the present day.

The Walker family is a hardworking, close-knit African-American family.
It
was inspirational for me to write a book about a family that possesses
an
unyielding power, which allows them to triumph over any obstacle,
however
painful it, may be.

Q. How did you come about the title "Never Forget The
Bridge That Crossed You Over?"

A. An older cousin in California used this phrase repeatedly especially
when
referring to her son who made a habit of visiting her for a split
second.
His short visits upset her because she liked when he stopped over for a
long
time. She would tell me... "Adriene, you never forget the bridge that
crossed you over. You never forget where you came from." She didn't
understand that her son didn't have the same maternal qualities that
most
women have. He was not intentionally trying to be rude or come off as
if he
didn't care for his mother or had forgotten that it was she who made
him the
person he is today--that was just a man's way of doing something. He
also
didn't realize that his mother enjoyed those long visits.

Q. How long did it take you to write this novel?

A. I began writing "Never Forget The Bridge That Crossed You Over" in 1995
and
completed it in 2001. I wrote it slowly and gradually, crafting
characters
and scenes, doing research, and letting my test readers read it and
give
feedback.

Q. Which was your most favorite part to write?

A. There were several favorite parts to write. I will mention two: The
part
when after 20 years, Solomon finds Magnolia by way of a smart-ass
intern. It
gives me chills when I read the scene where a diverse group of
employees come
together and stand up against Chad. I also loved writing the ending
when
Ivory finally unites with Magnolia, Hyacinth and Rose in the garden
after 38
years. The ending is moving.

Q. Solomon, Lily, Nathaniel and their mother knew
about Magnolia and was reluctant to reveal their
identity. Was their fear more than their concern for
Magnolia's emotional well-being?

A. It was concern for her emotional well-being more than fear. They very
much
wanted to let her know the truth, but Solomon and his family didn't
want to
cause Magnolia any more pain and suffering. They believed that as long
as
they were a part of her life as a dear friend, and she knew that they
loved
her, then that was important. It wouldn't have been beneficial to
reveal
their true identities at a time when Magnolia was not emotionally
stable. It
would have been overwhelming for Magnolia to learn that information.

Q. Do you recognize any of your personality traits in
your characters?

A. Many of my personality traits are in all of the characters: male and
female.
I just don't have Linda's boldness and loud-mouth. Maybe writing her
in the
book was writing about my alter-ego.

Q. Are you currently working on another novel?

A. I am currently working on two writing projects: a new novel about
murder and
deceit, and the sequel to "Never Forget The Bridge That Crossed You
Over."

Q. What type of atmosphere do you require to write?

A. I typically write at home where it is a quiet and comfortable
atmosphere, but
I can also go to a restaurant or coffee shop and write where there is a
lot
of commotion going on.

Q. What message would you like readers to receive
from reading "Never Forget The Bridge That Crossed You
Over?"

A. Again, I sought to tell a story about an African-American family that
finds
strength in the face of adversity. I wanted to show readers that all
things
can be forgiven. I wanted to depict the Walker family's experiences
and rich
Southern culture, admiration of and commitment to God, strength and
togetherness, and determination to persevere despite the hardships.

"Never Forget The Bridge That Crossed You Over" deals with the meaning
of
faith, forgiveness and familial ties. Now, that the new millennium has
arrived and especially since the tragic events of September 11, the
idea of
kinship and familial bonds will have a special meaning to everyone,
young and
old. The relationships we have with family are the basis for who we
are and
where we are bound for in this nation. This novel reveals what people
are
aspiring toward in this millennium; strong family ties, surviving
adversity,
and having the passion to forgive our enemies--looking beyond our past
misfortunes and moving forward to a healthier and more productive life.